EW remains on alert due to heavy rain warning

Environment Waikato says it is continuing to monitor rainfall and river levels in the region closely.

It follows a warning of up to 70 mm to 100 mm of rain in the upper catchments of the Waikato and Waipa rivers in the 24 hours from 6am this morning. That warning has since been downgraded slightly to 60 mm to 90 mm.

“The levels of the rivers haven’t reacted yet to the rain that’s fallen so far. In fact, they’re continuing to decline a bit after last week’s weather,” said EW emergency management officer Adam Munro.

“However, if we get the rain that’s forecast it’s possible rivers will still rise significantly and there could be some flooding of land near to the rivers, although we can’t predict at this stage exactly how much and where this might occur.

“We will monitor the situation closely and we urge the general public and farmers to stay on the alert for information from us and be prepared to take action required to protect people, stock and property.”

Mr Munro said EW was working closely with Mighty River Power to return Lake Taupo’s level to well below its maximum control level of 375.25 metres above sea level and to manage flows in the Waikato River.

“We will also provide emergency services and Civil Defence with information about where river levels are tracking and what threat they might present.”

ENDS

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